Konate shows class
This tie, of course, was lost three weeks ago, with Liverpool having had plenty of time to analyse their historic capitulation at Anfield.
That Luis Diaz and Thiago Alcantara, who both started the Champions League final against Real Madrid last season, were missing was undoubtedly a contributory factor.
But the nagging suspicion the most telling absence was that of Ibrahima Konate became evident here, the Frenchman the most impressive outfield performer for the visitors.
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Where Joe Gomez had struggled during the first leg, so Konate prospered, decisive in his challenges and unperturbed by the physical threat of Karim Benzema. His reading of the game was impressive – shutting down a number of Real forward forays – as was his composure.
He also provided useful cover for Trent Alexander-Arnold in helping deal with Real Madrid dangerman Vinicius Jnr, who didn’t create quite possess the same threat as at Anfield even if he was the Spaniards’ most potent attacking weapon.
Of course, that the man of the match for the Reds was Alisson Becker highlights the pattern of a match in which the nagging sense was Real Madrid were always capable of stepping up a gear should it have been needed.
Midfield muddle continues
When they come to write the big book of Liverpool’s 2022/23 campaign, it will almost certainly centre around a simple two-word phrase.
The midfield.
The unavailability of skipper Jordan Henderson and Stefan Bajcetic somewhat forced Klopp’s hand here, along with the need for goals. Where there normally three, the Reds boss instead selected a two with Fabinho joined at the base by James Milner.
It worked up to a point, Liverpool keeping themselves in the game before the break. But while Milner popped up in several attacking positions and wasn’t afraid to get stuck in, Fabinho was let down by some wayward distribution and the occasional lack of awareness. In truth, though, this was an impossible task for whoever was employed.
Come full-time, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain had been given his first Champions League minutes of the season and a first run-out in six weeks. Naby Keita, another out of contract in the summer, didn’t even get off the bench.
But the reality is for most who featured in the engine room in the Bernabeu, it may well be their last European experience as a Liverpool player. Change is coming – and this was further proof of it being needed.
Reds have simple question
The paltry allocation for the away fans here – explained away by Real as a consequence of the seemingly interminable building works at the Bernabeu – didn’t prevent the 1,800 Liverpool supporters positioned high up in the gods from enjoying their experience.
Defiant chants boomed around the cavernous stadium while, before kick-off, there was a pointed message to UEFA after the now regular jeering of the Champions League anthem.
But as they drifted away to begin their journeys home – Karim Benzema’s late strike the cue for many to head home – there would no doubt have been a question hanging heavy in the chilly Madrid night air.
Just when will fans again be able to watch Liverpool in this competition?
Hopes of a top-four finish, raised by the recent run of 13 points from 15, were given a reality check by the dismal defeat at rock-bottom Bournemouth at the weekend, a result subsequently capitalised on by all of Liverpool’s main rivals for fourth place.
Indeed, as the Reds slipped out of the Champions League, back home both Brighton and Brentford were strengthening their cause with victories.
Liverpool have given much to this competition over the years. But that alone won’t guarantee their place in it next season. The hard work really starts now.
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